Fashion as sculpture, as avant-garde expression, as spectacle: Thierry Mugler’s career pushed the boundaries of what fashion design and clothing could mean.
Mugler, who went by Manfred in later years, founded his brand in 1973 with his first personal collection. By the late 1990s, he was more famous for his fragrances, thanks to the brand’s best seller Angel. But vintage Mugler dresses and gowns have recently returned to red carpets, worn by stars like Kim Kardashian, Cardi B and Hailey Bieber.
Mugler’s penchant for performance, drama and costuming came from his background in ballet, having danced as a teenager with the Opéra national du Rhin in his hometown of Strasbourg, France. In the 1980s and ’90s, his couture shows were theatrical and futuristic, similar to those of his contemporaries Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix.
In one of Mugler’s shows, the then-pregnant legendary supermodel Pat Cleveland (part of the coterie of glamorous muses associated with designer Halston) was suspended from the ceiling and then glided down the runway surrounded by clouds of smoke.
Mugler would become known for his immaculate tailoring as well as for his increasingly avant-garde designs that featured sharp cuts, sexy and fetishistic elements, an integration of metal and uniquely treated materials like PVC and leather. Recent years have seen Mugler’s archival designs, especially from his 1995 haute couture show, take center stage, coinciding with the resurgence of camp in fashion and the return of bodycon dresses.
The French cosmetics company Clarins SA acquired Mugler’s brand in 1997, and its founder stepped back from the label in 2002. The house’s roster of clients has included some of the most visionary figures in fashion, from David Bowie and Diana Ross to Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, and the founder’s influence on over-the-top fashion can be seen in the work of designers such as Jeremy Scott and Alexander McQueen.
Find vintage Thierry Mugler corset tops, suits, sunglasses and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
THIERRY MUGLER Vintage Grey & Pink Resin Hoop Earrings
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Nice, FR
THIERRY MUGLER vintage pearly grey and pink resin hoop earrings (for pierced ears). Embossed TM. Indicative measurements : height approx. 5.4 cm (2.13 inches) / width approx 5 cm (...
$705 / set
W 0.21 in L 0.45 in
Dainty Blue Sapphire Diamond Stud Earrings Made in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Blue Sapphire Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K Gold to make a statement with your look. You shall need stud earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Hoop Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold hoop earrings set with 0.27 carats of white diamonds, E color, VVS1 clarity. Alex Jona jewels stand out, n...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.90 Carat Diamond Four Petal Flower Stud Earrings with Pushbacks
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K white gold four-petal flower earrings with round diamonds weighing 0.90 carat total. Post earrings have pushback closures.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,810
W 0.38 in L 0.48 in
Earrings with ruby and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 18k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage stud earrings set with a central ruby up to 2.16 ct and an entourage of brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.46 ct - F/G - VS/SI Detailed description The front...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
2.02ct Round Diamond Stud Earrings Yellow Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Classic diamond stud earrings. Two matching round brilliant diamonds 2.02 carats total. Approximately K color and VS clarity. Four prong set, 14k yellow gold, 1.74 grams. Accommodate...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Interwined Snake Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Stud Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These Snake stud earrings are handmade in 18-karat gold, 2.03 carat pink sapphire & 0.86 carats of glittering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collectio...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Jade, Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Jade 2.18 carats, Cabochon Emerald 0.43 carat and Diamond 0.24 carat Earrings set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Total Weight: 4.81 grams "We first opened doors...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold
14K Solid Gold Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
14K Solid Gold Diamond Earrings Cluster Earrings For Women Gold Ear Studs Gifts Gold Weight: 0.81 Grams Approx. Diamond Weight: 0.42 cts Approx. Light weight can be worn everyday Ad...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Retro Jadeite Rose Cut Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our exquisite Retro Jadeite Rose Cut Diamonds Stud Earrings in 18K White Gold. Crafted with precision and elegance, this stunning earring set showcases a natural jadeite ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cameo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Marcianise, IT
These 18-karat yellow gold earrings are a refined and sophisticated piece, crafted for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and the timeless charm of cameo jewelry. Each ea...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Stud Earrings Minimalist
Located in Chicago, IL
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Stud Earrings Minimalist Tiny Diamond Stars Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Conditi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Puffy Heart Stud Earrings - 18k Love Pierced
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Style: Stud Fastening Type: Butterfly Closures Theme: Puffy Heart and Love Measurements Tall: 3/8" (8.8mm) Wide: 3/8" (8.9mm) Weight: 2.1 Grams Sta...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold